Donald N. Klein, age 81 of Durand, died Sunday, January 1, 2017 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire with his family by his side.

Don was born on January 8, 1935 in Pierce County. He was the son of Jake and Josephine (Dettling) Klein. Don grew up in the Plum City area and graduated from Elmwood High School. Don married Dorothy Sabelko on October 26, 1954 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Lima. After marriage, they moved to Ft. Lawton, WA near Seattle where Don was stationed while in the Army. Don served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956. Upon being Honorably Discharged, they moved back to Arkansaw, where they farmed for 40 years and raised their family. Don and Dorothy retired from farming in 1996 and moved to the Durand area, where he remained the rest of his life.

Don and Dorothy enjoyed traveling around the world together, taking trips to Europe, going to China, Hawaii and many bus trips around the country. He liked playing cards, deer hunting, going on walks in the woods and watching the Packers and Badgers. Most of all Don loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Don was an active member of the Eau Galle Sportsmen Club and the Plum City American Legion Post #365.

Don is survived by his children; Dan (Joele) of Rock Falls, Dale (Sue) of Arkansaw and Diane (Dan) of Durand, six grandchildren; Eric (Special Friend Sarah) of Hudson, Jamie (John) of Eau Claire, Josh (Special friend Nikki) of Durand, Jessica (fiancé Hugh) of River Falls, Lori (Chad) and Stacy (Larry), both of Durand, six great grandchildren; Ethan, Rexton, Paityn, Holly, Bennett, Brynleigh, two sisters; Sr. Blanche Klein of La Crosse and Elaine Sabelko of Durand and a sister-in-law; Bonnie Gilles of Plum City, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife; Dorothy, two brothers in infancy, half-brother; Casper Gilles and one brother-in-law; Charles Sabelko Jr.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM Thursday, January 5, 2017 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Arkansaw with Rev. Paul G. Czerwonka officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Plum City American Legion Post #365 in Plum City. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4-8 PM at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family. 

Condolences

1. EDWARD W NELSON January 9, 2017, at 11:42am

   Sorry for your loss. I am in Arizona and just heard of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

2. Sister Rosalia Bauer January 5, 2017, at 12:04pm

   My love, sympathy and prayers to you, on the death of beloved Don. He was known for his kindness and friendliness.

3. The Jim Pohl Family January 5, 2017, at 10:21am

   Wishing deepest sympathies.
   So sorry for your loss!
   Love & prayers - always!!!
   Galen Radle's daughter - Karen Pohl & family

4. Rita Petty January 5, 2017, at 8:41am

   SR Blanche, Elaine and members of Don's family. Am so sorry for your loss. He was part of my second family for many years. I know you will all cherish his life as I do and Memories are the Legacy of Love.
   Fondly,

   Rita Petty

5. Karl Zacharias--Pepin County Veterans Service Officer January 4, 2017, at 11:01am

   My sincere sympathy for your loss. I just got to know Don over the last two months. He was a good man and will be missed.

6. Rita and Larry Gruber January 2, 2017, at 7:44pm

   Sorry for your loss. He was a good friend.

7. Rita and Larry Gruber January 2, 2017, at 7:42pm

   So sorry for your loss. He and your Mom were good friends.

8. Greg and Debbie Weiss January 2, 2017, at 6:28pm

   Our sympathy to the Klein family, Don was great person and friend.

9. Larry & Joan Sinz January 2, 2017, at 9:37am

   We are so sorry to hear of Don's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

10. Joe and Wanda Traynor January 1, 2017, at 5:14pm

    So sorry to hear of your dad's death. When you kids were little and my kids were little, we visited your folks quite often. How you 7 kids played. Your mom and dad were wonderful people and will be missed. Wanda Larson Traynor

11. Monica Heitman January 1, 2017, at 4:57pm

    Our deepest sympathy! We remember Don being a neighbor when we lived over by Arkansaw and then again here in Waubeek... he was such a kind man but now he is with Dorothy.

12. Jane and Ron January 1, 2017, at 4:45pm

    Our deepest sympathies to all the Klein families.....may you take comfort knowing Don is with his dearest love once again. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

13. Ron and Mary Jo Bauer January 1, 2017, at 4:38pm

    Our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this hard time.

14. Patty and John Wayne January 1, 2017, at 3:25pm

    Sorry to hear about the Loss of your father. May God bless you with the strength you will need in the days ahead, Our Deepest Sympathy

15. Judi & Gary Bauer January 1, 2017, at 2:53pm

    Don was our neighbor when I grew up in Plum City. He helped my Dad on our farm. I remember him coming in sitting in our wooden rocking chair in the parlor rocking my sister Jodell. He was a special person with a smile always. Our deepest sympathy to the Klein family.

16. Kathy and Greg Prissel January 1, 2017, at 2:26pm

    Sorry to hear... prayers for everyone.

17. Joe and Jan Drier January 1, 2017, at 2:03pm

    So saddened by this news. He was a wonderful man and he has told me many stories about him and my dad. Our thoughts and Prayers go out to the Klein family at this time. God Bless....

18. Michelle Olsen January 1, 2017, at 1:55pm

    So sorry for your loss. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers...

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